Redesigned connecting rod. Our customer was concerned with excessive wear in the little end bushes of the original part and asked us to investigate. We found that excessive bearing pressures were resulting in lubrication film breakdown and that the stress levels in the rod eye were so high that they could have led to failure of the rod in service. The redesigned rod is a steel forging with a wider little end boss and a thicker section eye. More details…
Safety and Fitness for Purpose Assessments
We can carry out FMEA (Failure Mode Effect Analysis), design calculations and computer modelling to ensure that existing equipment, proposed modifications or components being supplied or purchased are safe and fit for purpose.
For example, if you are faced with the problem of assessing the steaming capacity of a new boiler for an historic loco whose design has been modified by the availability of materials and regulatory requirements, or you need to know what grade of steel to use for a replacement motion part to ensure adequate safety margins or you just want assistance with a novel application of ready-made components, we can help you.
Many railways and even some manufacturers don't have the in-house expertise to cope with this kind of problem and Steam Loco Design can provide a cost effective solution, allowing you to buy-in the necessary expertise as and when you need it.
Recent projects of this kind include:
Extensive modelling of the failure modes of safety links which prevent separation of locomotives and tenders in the event of drawbar failure. More details…
Assessing the steam generating capacity of a new boiler for a 2'-0" gauge Baldwin 4-6-0T. More details…
Running an FMEA workshop to assess the operational and engineering safety issues relating to the introduction of a new braking system. More details…